Barbara Merback

Barbara Ann Cabot Merback passed away on Sunday, November 29th following a lengthy illness. Her husband, Don, was at her side at their home in Casper. Barbara was born on December 3, 1929 to Margaret and Raymond Cabot in Manistee, Michigan. She moved to Casper in 1952 with her mother upon the death of her father. She soon met the love of her life, Don Merback, who worked in radio at KSPR. They married in 1954 and made their home in Casper for the following 61 years. Early in their marriage, Barbara was active in the Daughters of the Nile and Shrine Club activities. She and Don helped produce "The Roaring 20's", a vaudeville variety show at the Shrine Club for a number of years. Later she actively pursued golf, and was a member at both Casper Country Club and Paradise Valley Country Club. She and Don went on many couples golf trips throughout the country. Most recently, Barbara and Don were enthusiastic antique and collectable dealers, a hobby she pursued until her death. Of note, her great-uncle Guy Weadick was the founder of the Calgary Stampede. In 2011, she was honored as the Marshall of the Stampede Parade. Barbara was a woman of strong opinions; she always made it clear where she stood on any issue! She was never one to hesitate voicing what she thought. It was that strong will that allowed her to battle the many health issues she dealt with over the past 5 years. Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Don; one son, Michael, and a daughter-in-law, Janet, of Casper, Wyoming; three grandchildren, Matthew (Gilly) of Denver, Colorado; Jared (Lisa) of Albany, New York; Jordan (Greg) of Santa Monica, California; and one great-granddaughter, Prudence of Albany, New York. Barbara has been laid to rest at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. The family is planning a gathering to celebrate her memory this coming spring. Bustard's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.